Author: Ryan Lirette

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Rugg family, Exeter settle land dispute

The Rugg family and the Town of Exeter have settled their long running land dispute, clearing the way for a developer to proceed with a housing development to be built on the Exeter-Newfields town line.

Nhopinions

(Opinion) Novus Public Affairs’ 30-year anniversary: Paul Young’s meaningful mark on NH

For nearly six decades, Paul Young has been a constant, if often understated, presence in public and government affairs, both in New Hampshire and beyond. Since founding Novus Public Affairs in 1996, Young has helped shape how businesses, nonprofits and political leaders communicate and connect with the world around them, leaving a mark on the state that is hard to measure but easy to feel.

Brennan Ward

Reviving Berlin

Two years ago, for the first time in more than a decade, the City of Berlin turned a page, beginning a new chapter energized by fresh leadership and renewed hope for a brighter future. In January 2024, Robert Cone, a Republican, was sworn in as mayor following a closely contested election that brought new energy and ideas to City Hall. His victory marked a clear moment of change for residents eager to see Berlin revitalized and thriving once again. Now serving his second term, Cone ran unopposed in what was long considered a Democratic stronghold, a powerful sign of growing confidence in his leadership.

Independent contractor rules may be changing

On February 26, 2026, the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division released a new notice of proposed rulemaking that would significantly revise the test used under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for determining independent contractor status, marking the third major change to the federal independent contractor rule in less than five years.

John Hyde Sustainability Spotlight

Driving deeper sustainability in construction

In construction, sustainability is still too often defined by project type, certification or client mandate. If a job is labeled “green,” we assume the contractor is sustainable by default. But that framing misses the point.

Jason Alexander Ai The Pratical Journey

Building your AI-ready workforce

Most business owners come to me with technology questions. Which AI tool should we use? What platform is best for our industry? How much will it cost? I get it. Technology feels tangible. It’s something you can research, compare and buy.

Tom Hayes

Former Ocean Spray CEO to serve as UNH commencement speaker

Tom Hayes, ‘87, former CEO of Ocean Spray, will deliver the commencement address at the University of New Hampshire undergraduate ceremonies on May 16. A respected leader in the food industry, with more than three decades of experience guiding major consumer brands, Hayes will offer words of inspiration to the class of ‘26.

Federal funding cuts prompts closure of Education Alliance for NH

The board of directors of the Education Alliance for New Hampshire (EANH) has voted unanimously to close the organization’s operations following the loss of significant federal funding that has historically supported its core college access programs, the organization said in a press release.

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Economic Experimentation

Wilmington Trust's Meghan Shue talks macro economic and investment strategy trends in today's current climate

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2026 BOB Awards Party Photos

Check out photos from the 2026 BOB Awards celebration, which was held on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord.

Gottlob March 2026 Presentation11

NH economist lowers forecast for 2026

A key New Hampshire economist has trimmed down to 2.2% his forecast for the growth in the state's economy this for 2026, citing lackluster consumer confidence and the uncertainty of the U.S. war against Iran.

Bretton Woods, New Hampshire..

Federal data: Outdoor recreation generates $4.2B for NH economy

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) earlier this month released its latest Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account data, reaffirming outdoor recreation as a major driver of New Hampshire’s economy and a significant contributor nationwide.

Digital Healthcare And Network Connection On Hologram Modern Vi

Executive Council pauses $773M federal rural health spending

The NH Executive Council paused the approval of $773 million in federal spending contracts for the “GO NORTH” rural health program Wednesday, March 4, putting the brakes on a major initiative of Gov. Kelly Ayotte after councilors said the contracts were rushed and needed more scrutiny.

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Health issues are starting earlier in the workforce

Employer health benefits costs are rising faster than inflation and wage growth, putting continued pressure on employer-sponsored plans. According to KFF’s 2025 Employer Health Benefits Survey, per-employee benefit costs increased 6% in 2025, with another 6.5% increase projected for 2026.

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Ask the Experts: Understanding assisted living

As families navigate life after retirement, a change in scenery or in housing may be in order. Our panelist addresses common myths, warning signs and the emotional decisions surrounding a move. She explains how assisted living can preserve independence, strengthen safety and create opportunities for healthier, more connected living.

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The essential role of a health plan in New Hampshire

When families face a cancer diagnosis, mental health crisis, or any unexpected change in their health, the last thing they should worry about is navigating a complicated health care system. But for many, that is exactly what they face. Complex benefits, rising out-of-pocket costs and uncertainty about where to turn can add stress to already difficult moments.

Nhopinions

(Opinion) Give New Hampshire residents the freedom to work

LABOR By: Edward Timmons According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, New Hampshire has one of the more severe labor market shortages nationally. For every 100 jobs available in the state, there are only 68 available workers to fill them.…

Doug Teschner Columnist

Embrace vulnerability, humility

Since my October stroke and ongoing aging, I find myself thinking more about vulnerability and other important values such as humility. I think everyone should have a therapist and mine observed, “I wonder…

Taylor Caswell

Students on the sidelines

The advance of artificial intelligence is an increasingly prevalent topic, particularly as it relates to how it will impact our workforce. Much of that conversation is about how disruptive it will be or how…

Brad Cook Columnist

Cook on Concord: Civics 101 reminders

 The constitutions of the United States and New Hampshire have been in the news a lot recently, with questions about the president’s war powers and ability to impose tariffs unilaterally, and state issues about…

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